From MVP to PMF: The Messy Middle for Founders

You launched your Minimum Viable Product (MVP). Maybe a few people use it. One even gave you great feedback. Another ghosted you.

So, do you have Product-Market Fit (PMF)? Probably not.

This phase, between launching and knowing if it actually works, is the hardest part. It’s confusing. The signals are weak. And if you’re building in a new country, it’s even harder. Here’s how to get through it without burning out or doubting yourself.

How to Win Your First Enterprise Customer in Canada (Without a Big Network)

Landing your first enterprise customer is hard. doing it in a new country, with no network? harder.

Canadian enterprises move slower than startups. they expect structure, credibility, and context. if you're a new founder from outside the country, it can feel like a wall.

Here's how to break in, without warm intros or a big name behind you.

What Does an MVP Actually Look Like? (With Real Examples)

Early-stage founders hear it all the time: "Just build an MVP."

But what is an MVP really? It’s not a half-built product or a stripped-down app. It’s the simplest version of your idea that lets you test the most important assumption, whether someone will use or pay for it.

In real life, MVPs come in all shapes and sizes. Here’s how smart founders built real MVPs, fast, lean, and focused.

Build vs. Buy: A Real Startup Dilemma for Early-Stage Founders

You’ve just landed your first pilot customer. You’ve got $50K in the bank, a part-time developer, and 6 weeks to show something real.

The customer wants a dashboard, notifications, and some kind of reporting. You’re wondering: should we build all this custom? Or hack it together with Airtable, Zapier, and Google Sheets?

Welcome to the "build vs. buy" dilemma. Every early-stage founder hits this wall. And the right decision isn’t always obvious.

Here’s a grounded way to think through it, based on real startup experience.

Prioritize Cost-Effective Innovation – Achieve More with Less

Innovation is the lifeblood of every startup, but it doesn’t have to come with a hefty price tag. Prioritizing cost-effective innovation means finding smart, resourceful ways to push boundaries while keeping expenses in check. In a lean startup environment, every dollar should drive creativity and impact without draining your runway.

Iteration is no longer a choice; it is the engine that drives real progress. If you are waiting for perfection, you are already falling behind.